Kwara Lawmaker Expresses Concern over Energy Deficits in Nigeria’s Rural Communities

• Sponsors Kwara electric power sector bill, 2025 Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The youngest lawmaker in the country and lawmaker representing Owode/Onire state constituency of Kwara state, Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, has expressed deep concern over the continued leaving of millions of the residents of the nation’s communities in darkness.

The lawmaker said that such ugly development had continued to hinder socio-economic growth of the grassroots and slow pace of industrialisation that is capable of creating jobs for all.

Hon. Shittu stated this in Ilorin while participating at the public hearing on the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025.

The bill, sponsored by Shittu, has passed through first and second readings on floor of the Assembly.

Shittu stated that, “The legislation, now set for its third reading, seeks to repeal the outdated Electricity Board Laws of 1992 and 2006 and replacing them with a modern, people-centered framework that empowers Kwara to take charge of its own electricity future.

“It will also domesticates the Electricity Act, 2023, which decentralized Nigeria’s energy sector and granted states the authority to establish their own electricity markets”.

The lawmaker added, “Millions of our people, especially in rural communities, are still in darkness”.

She noted, “This bill is designed to open Kwara to innovative energy solutions, attract private investment, and create opportunities for our people.

“It is not also just about electricity, it is about jobs, health, education, and improving the quality of life”.

She stated further that, “The bill directly responds to Kwara’s chronic power shortages and the limitations of the national grid.

“It positions the state to embrace independent power projects (IPPs), mini-grids, and renewable energy solutions, while creating an enabling environment for private sector participation”.

Meanwhile, stakeholders at the event have hailed the private member’s bill as a bold and progressive step, especially at a time when Nigeria’s electricity crisis continues to stall industrial growth and social development.

The stakeholder however said, by prioritizing underserved areas, the legislation ensures that communities beyond the reach of the national grid will benefit from localized energy solutions.